34 times around the sun

With another birthday around the corner I feel inclined to look back and consider what an amazing life I have had so far.

I certainly do not feel my age and that might be because at almost 34 I always assumed I’d be married with a child not because I necessarily wanted it but always saw that as the most logical place to be at my age.

Instead I am living in a home in Bondi full of ever changing backpackers. I feel just as nomad and transient as they are yet I am not moving to different country, at least not any time soon.

Being around young people certainly takes the cake on how to feel both young and old at the same time. I find myself either rolling my eyes at the goon consumption and drinking games or partaking in them…. depending on the day.

In my 34 successful attempts around the sun I feel blessed to have been given so much opportunity to learn and be successful. I have achieved two major goals I set when I was in my 20’s, of being a people leader and living abroad.

I have earnt a lot of money but also learned what it’s like to have nothing and to start from scratch on a few occasions.

My parents equipped me with the resilience and the work ethic to get through every hurdle I have ever faced. My dad forced me to start working at 14 and 9 months and I learned the hard way what it’s like to be underpaid and unappreciated. I have also had the privilege of experiencing the exact opposite and been given opportunities to shine and be recognised .

Without my hospitality experience I would not be where I am right now. Without the opportunity to feel completely humbled I wouldn’t know how to appreciate being successful and I have my parents to thank for that.

I spent pretty much every birthday in my adult life with a counterpart, for better or worse. This will be my first birthday without one and more than anything else I feel free. Free to celebrate, free to choose who I spend it with and free to reflect properly.

In my 33rd year I left my partner in Townsville, I travelled the east coast alone, I lost my mother, I developed a strong connection with my father, I made new life long friendships, rekindled my relationship with my gorgeous cousin, got promoted and restarted my career. I went through more turmoil than I ever have or had expected but I came through with the help of some key people. It’s crazy what a year can do to a person.

Soon I will be 34 and despite feeling younger than I am I also feel stronger, more knowledgeable and more wise the I ever have.

Whatever this new chapter brings I am all embracing. I have no one to answer to and my own path to carve and that is just amazing.